Oral health has not yet become a priority, as people tend to place greater importance on general health rather than oral health. This is evident in the declining oral health and function as people age, a situation further influenced by the concept of ageism (‘nrimo ing pandum'), which is commonly held by the elderly.
This issue was highlighted by Prof. Dr. drg. Dewi Agustina, M.D.Sc., M.D.Sc., during her inauguration as a Professor in Geriatric Oral Diseases on Tuesday (14/1) at the UGM Senate Hall.
In her speech titled "Improving Oral Health as an Effort to Achieve Optimal Quality of Life in the Elderly", Dewi Agustina explained that the concept of ageism reflects the elderly's acceptance of their deteriorating oral condition as a natural and inevitable part of aging, rather than a health issue that requires attention. "As a result, the elderly are less motivated to improve their oral health. The deterioration of oral health is not solely due to aging but is also a consequence of accumulated oral diseases that have long been neglected," she stated
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the elderly into three age groups: 60–74 years old called Elderly, 75–90 years old called Old, and above 90 years old called Very Old. As people age, physiological aging occurs at the cellular and organ levels, leading to a decline in organ function and reduced physiological adaptability. Consequently, the elderly become more vulnerable to various health problems.
Common oral health issues among the elderly include: Tooth loss, Cavities (dental caries), Periodontal disease (gum disease), Xerostomia (dry mouth) / hyposalivation (reduced saliva production), Salivary gland dysfunction, and Soft tissue/mucosal diseases, including pre-cancerous lesions.
Continuing her speech, Dewi Agustina shared research findings from elderly health centers (Posyandu Lansia) in Yogyakarta, revealing that approximately 70% of the elderly have a low (oral health-related quality of life, OHRQoL) due to poor oral conditions that hinder proper oral function. "Socioeconomic factors play a key role in influencing OHRQoL in the community. There is a significant correlation between lower income levels and decreased OHRQoL," she stated.
A person's quality of life satisfaction is highly dependent on their body's ability to function properly. In conclusion, Dewi outlined steps that elderly individuals and future elderly generations can take to improve their oral health for optimal quality of life.
"Seek immediate medical consultation for any abnormal signs or symptoms in the mouth or general health, eliminate harmful habits such as smoking and mouth breathing, manage psychological conditions (stress, anxiety, depression), maintain adequate hydration (at least 1.5 liters of water per day), undergo regular dental check-ups approximately every six months."
Author and Photo: Fajar Budi H.
